Vague Pronouns

Example of a vague sentence:

When Dave ran into Michael, he was carrying a huge pecan pie.

• In this sentence, it is unclear whether "he" refers to "Dave" or "Michael."

Pronouns take the place of nouns.

If a pronoun could be replacing more than one noun, the pronoun is vague.

Vague Examples:

Jane told Alicia that her cousin makes the best pancakes.

• In this sentence, it is unclear whether "her" refers to "Jane" or "Alicia."

I saw the mechanic and the pilot in the park. I gave him a cupcake.

• In this sentence, it is unclear whether "him" refers to "the mechanic" or "the pilot."

Dave put a pen in his backback, but it was gone when he got back.

• In this sentence, it is unclear whether "it" refers to "pen" or "backpack."

Clear Example:

Dave was carrying a huge pecan pie when he ran into Michael.

• In this sentence, "he" clearly refers to "Dave."